Sadik double helps HJK silence Bangor in Rhyl
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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Bangor City FC 0-3 HJK Helsinki
Sebastian Sorsa struck late on to add to two Berat Sadik efforts and ensure the Finnish champions of a comfortable first-leg lead.
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HJK Helsinki took their fine domestic form into Europe, defeating Bangor City FC 3-0 in Rhyl in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round contest.
Top of the Veikkausliiga by ten points and through to the Finnish Cup final, HJK took just 14 minutes to find their feet in European competition. Berat Sadik was on the mark on that occasion and the visiting No9 found the net again ten minutes after the interval. Substitute Sebastian Sorsa iced the cake a minute from time to leave Welsh champions Bangor facing a mountainous task in Helsinki next week.
Antti Muurinen's charges had racked up ten straight wins before their trip to Wales and always looked likely to add an 11th, despite Bangor's Peter Hoy having the first chance of note. HJK swiftly capitalised, Teemu Pukki latching on to Dawda Bah's lofted pass, rounding home goalkeeper Lee Idzi and squaring for Sadik to finish.
Though the home team often gave as good as they got, HJK added a second not long after the interval when Sadik collected a Sebastian Mannström through ball and found the net once more.
Neville Powell's side peppered the HJK penalty area with a series of corners, but HJK showed the greater craft and duly made it 3-0 late on thanks to Sorsa's shot past Idzi's despairing dive.
